When was the last time you were really excited about a spiritual trial in your life? Never? Well, wait till you hear what James has to say about that.

Welcome to the Daily Devo.

If you are new here, we study our way through the bible book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter, and day-by-day. I want you to show up here every day. Here is what you will get: daily devotionals through a chapter for 6 days and, on day 7, a study of the whole chapter. Grab your James Scripture Journal, take notes, and follow along.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. — James 1:2-4

Highlight these key verses. They introduce the first of 12 factors James addresses to help us “Grow Up Spiritually”—trials.

No one likes trials, especially the kind that hit you out of nowhere—a family sickness, job loss, or tragedy. No one celebrates those moments. But that’s not what James means by “Count it all joy.” He’s urging us to look beyond the trial to see its purpose. Trials refine us. They produce steadfastness and build a full, complete faith.

Take a moment today to reflect on a current or past trial. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What is God teaching me?” Write it down. Too often, we rush through trials without recognizing how God is using them to grow us.

The other day, my wife and I were hit with an unexpected expense. My gut response? Definitely not joy. But once I got past my irritation, I realized God was teaching me something practical—plan better for emergencies. Even I have to work at this, just like you. Complaining won’t help when we worship a God who uses trials to refine us.

Remember, trials aren’t setbacks—they’re setups for spiritual growth. Sometimes, you just need to stop long enough to see how.

#SpiritualGrowth, #FaithThroughTrials, #CountItAllJoy

1. What trial are you facing today, and how might God be using it to grow your faith?
2. How can shifting your focus from "why me" to "what's God teaching me" change your perspective on trials?
3. What has a past trial taught you about steadfastness and trusting God’s refining process?
4. How does seeing trials as spiritual growth opportunities help you embrace them with joy?

Ask, “What is God teaching me?”

Lord, help me to see trials not as burdens but as opportunities to grow in faith and steadfastness. Teach me to trust Your refining work in my life, even when it’s hard to understand. Amen.

Teach Me To Obey.